Preparations for a New Bath by the Danube in Budapest’s Centre Underway

BPhirek.hu
‘The tradition of bathing in the Danube in Budapest dates back to the 19th century, when a series of Danube baths were opened on the banks of the river...The current proposal aims to bring this tradition back by creating a modern, clean, and safe environment, as the popularity of the open-air Roman Beach is already proving its feasibility.’

The following is an adaptation of an article originally published on BPhirek.hu.


Budapest’s Danube bank is one of the capital’s most important natural treasures, which can now be revitalized with old and new opportunities. At its session two weeks ago, the Budapest General Assembly voted by a large majority to support former Budapest mayoral candidate Dávid Vitézy’s proposal to examine and prepare the possibility of bathing in the River Danube in the city centre, a centuries-old tradition.

In recent years more and more urban beaches have opened across Europe, offering a new kind of community experience for outdoor swimming. According to Dávid Vitézy, this trend could also be an example for Budapest to follow. ‘Budapest is a spa city. Although in winter we prefer to go to our historic indoor thermal spas, in a few months’ time summer will be here again, when Budapest residents would enjoy spending time on the banks of the Danube and even take a dip in it if they could do so in a well-kept, clean, and safe environment,’ the former mayoral candidate opined.

SOURCE: BPhirek.hu

The tradition of bathing in the Danube in Budapest dates back to the 19th century, when a series of Danube baths were opened on the banks of the river. The best known of these were located along the stretch from the Parliament building to Elisabeth Bridge and served as public baths. At that time bathing in theDanube was part of the daily life of the city’s inhabitants, but with time it receded into the background and eventually disappeared completely. The current proposal aims to bring this tradition back by creating a modern, clean, and safe environment, as the popularity of the open-air Roman Beach is already proving its feasibility.

The Hungarian NGO Valyo carried out water quality tests at several sites before the 2024 season. The biggest issue regarding safe bathing is the adequacy of water quality. As Vitézy stated, microbiological analysis has shown that, under strict water quality control, the Danube can be suitable for bathing even in the city centre. Developments must include modern infrastructure that will ensure a clean and safe environment in the long term.

SOURCE: BPhirek.hu

The preparatory process will include a detailed examination of the sites, water quality, and a framework for operation. Works are starting now and could result in a new, modern, and sustainable beach network. In the campaign Dávid Vitézy was asked by Valyo to represent the cause, which was taken up by the Podmaniczky Movement in the General Assembly.


Read more on Budapest’s thermal baths:

Seven World-Famous Thermal Baths in Budapest

Click here to read the original article.

‘The tradition of bathing in the Danube in Budapest dates back to the 19th century, when a series of Danube baths were opened on the banks of the river...The current proposal aims to bring this tradition back by creating a modern, clean, and safe environment, as the popularity of the open-air Roman Beach is already proving its feasibility.’

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